New York - New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg this week signed legislation that increases penalties for videotaping films in the city's movie theaters, and unveiled a public awareness campaign developed with the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) designed to fight movie piracy.

The new law makes illegal videotaping a misdemeanor, with penalties of up to six months in prison and a $5,000 fine, up from the previous 15 days in jail and $250 fine.

The MPAA estimates that 43% of camcorder-source pirated DVDs in the U.S., and 20% worldwide originated in New York City theaters.

The joint awareness campaign will feature PSAs to run on TV, in movie theaters and on bus shelters.

"Video piracy is not a victimless crime - it kills jobs for New Yorkers," said Bloomberg.

"Not only does piracy drive up the costs of videos and movie tickets and harm our economy, but every New York consumer is being cheated by poor quality goods."

Related Links:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/om/html/2007a/pr134-07.html

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117964096.html

http://www.mpaa.com